1

Associate Professor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Appointments may be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor level, on either the tenure-track or clinical (non-tenure) track, depending on clinical experience and research ...

Appointments may be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor level, on either the tenure-track or clinical (non-tenure) track, depending on clinical experience and research ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Professor information

See Iowa salary details

$40.9K

$96.2K

$133.8K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Iowa is $96,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $118,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by associate professors when balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Associate Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching courses, mentoring students, and participating in departmental or university service. Balancing these can be challenging, especially when research expectations remain high while teaching loads and committee work increase after promotion. Successful Associate Professors typically develop strong time-management skills, collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, and seek mentorship or support from their academic community. Proactive planning and clear communication with department leadership can also help manage these competing demands.

What is the difference between Associate Professor vs Assistant Professor?

AspectAssociate ProfessorAssistant Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), significant research and teaching experienceDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), typically early in academic career
Work EnvironmentUniversity faculty, involved in teaching, research, and serviceUniversity faculty, primarily focused on teaching and beginning research
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research universitiesHigher education institutions, research universities

In summary, an Associate Professor is a more senior academic role with extensive research and teaching experience, while an Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position focused on developing research and teaching skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a record of research and scholarly publication. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research software is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and productive collegial relationships. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to academic communities.

What is an associate professor?

An associate professor teaches at a college or university campus and ranks below a full professor. As an associate professor, you still perform the primary job duties of a full professor, such as interacting with students, grading classroom assignments, assisting students with study techniques, and developing lesson plans. You may also spend part of your career working on research projects and writing articles for academic journals.

Do you need a PhD to be an associate professor?

Yes, most academic institutions require an associate professor to hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree. This qualification demonstrates expertise in the field and is typically necessary for tenure-track faculty positions at universities. Additional requirements may include teaching experience, research publications, and service contributions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Professor jobs in Iowa? For Associate Professor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Professor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Professor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,210 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Department of Biology (Tenure Track, Start Fall 2027)

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Grinnell College rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

486th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Biology invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in biology beginning Fall 2027. Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Associate Professor possible. Research and teaching interests might include but are not limited to organismal biology and ecology, with the potential to engage with the college's field station (the Conard Environmental Research Area) and the Environmental Studies program, which will introduce a new major in 2027.
The teaching load is five courses (with each lab section counting as ½ course) over two semesters; periodically one course will be Tutorial (a topical writing/critical thinking course for first-year students, the only College-wide requirement beyond the completion of a major in an individually-advised curriculum). Grinnell's Biology Department has a long-standing commitment to attracting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds. Our inquiry-driven pedagogy promotes inclusivity, and we embed research and primary literature into courses from the introductory level onward, to teach students how to practice biology and explore how biology connects to other disciplines and society. We seek candidates who will teach at all levels and establish an active research program involving undergraduates.
Additional information about this position, teaching and conducting research at Grinnell, our curriculum, facilities, and faculty is available at the Biology Department website.
Qualifications
Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Associate Professor possible.
Application Instructions
In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a teacher and scholar in a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction. They should also discuss their potential to contribute to a college community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. To be assured of full consideration, all application materials should be received by October 2, 2026.
Candidates will need to upload the following materials:
A letter of application
Curriculum vitae
Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
Statements describing teaching interests and a research program that can involve undergraduates.
Names and email contact information for three professional references
Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Professor Vince Eckhart, at BiologySearch@grinnell.edu or 641-269-4040.

What Grinnell College employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom